"Henry has become a leading light in YA mystery." - Booklist"April Henry’s crime dramas are consistently smart and satisfying.” - Kirkus"A must-have for YA mystery-thriller collections." - School Library Journal

I kill people, but only on paper

Welcome to my little corner of the Internet. I'm a New York Times bestselling author who loves kung fu, Brazilian jujitsu, and all things salty.

Why I have the best job

This summer, you attended a teen-author panel with Brian Doyle at the West Linn Public Library. There was a small crowd of about twenty people. At the very back, there was a young girl of thirteen (that's me!). I write in hopes you would remember the girl you shook hands with that day, and how much you inspired her. Since your visit at the library I Have been more driven to complete my blooming novel.I have also started a writing group for other teens that are looking for a creative outlet. I love your books, and who knows, if I keep writing, people may even see my books on the shelves.

School visits in Missouri

Covered by TV in SPRINGFIELD, Missouri

Getting the Charlotte AWard (as in Charlotte Web) in NY

The story behind the cover for Count All Her Bones

April Ward, an art director at Macmillan, decided that the handcuffs would make an arresting image. Toward the end of the book, Cheyenne begins to turn the tables, using the handcuffs that were originally restraining her as a weapon.

Model Brittany Saal ​poses for photographer Jon Barkat.

Photographer Jon Barkat actually bought a huge container of fake blood for the shoot. But he and April Ward decided not to put it directly on the model’s skin after reading the bottle. Evidently it stains! So now he has a lot of leftover blood.

​Instead of risking staining the model’s skin, the blood was added on the computer.

Interviewed by ABC-Affiliate in El Paso

When I was in El Paso, I was interviewed by ABC-Affilicate KVIA-TV. You can watch it here.

School visits in El Paso, Texas & Las cruces, New Mexico ​with a side trip to Juarez, Mexico!

Want a personalized, signed book?

Want a signed, personalized copy of one of my books? Contact my neighborhood book store, Annie Bloom's Books at 503-246-0053, and tell them what you want. They will contact me and I will come in to sign them.

School visits in Nebraska

School visits in virginia

School visits, book festival and more in South Dakota

Why I have the best job in the world!

Got my second stripe in Brazilian jiujitsu!

Starred Review from VoyA!

"Henry has done it again with another edge-of-your-seat mystery/thriller. The first scene begins with Olivia running from a killer while handcuffed. The story follows with flashbacks of what led her to that dangerous scene.... This is recommended for middle school and high school mystery/thriller/suspense collections and for April Henry fans."—VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)

I love to do school visits

School visits are a great way to get students interested in reading and writing. To learn more, check out my school visit page. I still have some times open in the fall.

A school visit by an author is an exciting way to promote literacy. I love to visit schools and share with students the joys of reading, writing, and research.

I still have some openings in my winter and spring schedules. You can learn more about my school visits here, including how you can qualify for discounts.

I'd love to hear from you[or just email: april (at) Aprilhenrymysteries (DOT) com . I answer every single email, so if you don't hear back try again - and make sure your email address is correct. I have had several wonderful emails which I tried to reply to, only the email address was wrong. Don't disappoint both of us. Oh, and teachers, do me a favor - don't assign a whole class to write to me, unless it's as a group.]

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